13 ‘Criminal Minds’ Cases That Got Personal for the Team (PHOTOS)
“Revelations” (Season 2, Episode 15)
At the end of the previous episode, Reid was kidnapped by Tobias Hankel, and throughout this hour, the team could only watch as he was tortured until he was able to give them clues to find him.
“Penelope” (Season 3, Episode 9)
When Garcia was shot, it was up to the team to find out who was after her, culminating in JJ having to kill the UnSub in the BAU’s own office.
“The Instincts”/”Memoriam” (Season 4, Episodes 6 and 7)
A case in Las Vegas led to Reid remembering a murder investigation from his childhood — and suspecting his father could be guilty.
“100” (Season 5, Episode 9)
In one of the most tragic episodes of the series, the serial killer Foyet was able to track down Hotch’s ex-wife and son in witness protection. Though Hotch tried to reach them in time, he was only able to listen as The Reaper killed Haley.
“Lauren” (Season 6, Episode 18)
Prentiss’ past came back to haunt her in the worst way possible in Season 6, ending with Ian Doyle killing her — or so most of the team was left to think until the following season.
“Hit”/”Run” (Season 7, Episodes 23 and 24)
JJ’s family became targets after her husband, Will, responded to a bank robbery on the job. She thought she was going to lose him more than once and had to defend her son from one of the UnSubs.
“Zugzwang” (Season 8, Episode 12)
Reid finally met his girlfriend in this Season 8 episode — only for it to happen after her stalker found her and kidnapped her. But he was too late to save her and could only watch as she was killed in front of him.
“200” (Season 9, Episode 14)
The truth about JJ’s time with the State Department and her past assignment with Cruz came out when the two were kidnapped and tortured.
“The Hunt” (Season 10, Episode 23)
The human traffickers storyline got very personal in the finale. Kate’s niece and her best friend were lured in on social media and kidnapped by the group.
“Derek” (Season 11, Episode 16)
It was Morgan’s turn to be kidnapped and tortured — and almost die from his wounds — in an episode that included an appearance from his dead father.
“Spencer” (Season 12, Episode 13)
This was the episode that kickstarted Reid’s time in prison after he was framed for murder in Mexico. It wasn’t until the season finale that he faced off with the person responsible (Cat).
“Ex Parte” (Season 13, Episode 19)
The BAU was called in to help with a hostage situation at a law firm in the area, and Simmons realized it was the same place where his wife had just started a new job. Kristy’s attempt to help got her in trouble, but the team was able to intervene to save her.
“300” (Season 14, Episode 1)
The Believers kidnapped Reid and Garcia at the end of Season 13, and while Garcia was able to escape, Reid was to be their sacrifice.
The members of the BAU save lives in every episode of Criminal Minds, but some cases are harder than others because they hit too close to home.
Over the years, members of the team and their loved ones have been targeted by UnSubs — and it’s very possible that the same thing could happen again in the final season. After all, Everett Lynch, a.k.a. the Chameleon (Michael Mosley), is still out there, and he has become somewhat of a personal nemesis for Rossi (Joe Mantegna), who just got married in the Season 14 finale. Should be worried for him or his family?
Click through the gallery above to relive other times investigations have gotten personal for the BAU.
Criminal Minds, 15th and Final Season, 2020, CBS
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